Panel interlocking means



I Q72 Iy; 7/

Sept. 19, 1967 1 LOCK 3,341,908

PANEL INTERLOCKING MEANS Filed Oct. 2l, 1966 39 l I y mvENToR 37 JOSEPH H. LOCK ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,341,908 PANEL INTERLOCKING MEANS `loseph H. Lock, Mableton, Ga., assignor to The Mead Corporation, a corporation of Ohio Filed Oct. 21, 1966, Ser. No. 588,602 3 Claims. (Cl. 24-204) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLGSURE The panel interlocking arrangement as disclosed herein is for use in fastening together adjacent edges of a pair of substantially -coplanar panels and comprises a plurality of locking tabs formed along one edge of one of said panels, each tab having at least one generally transverse locking edge which is of arcuate configuration, a plurality of complementary locking slots formed in the other panel, the locking slots being of arcuate outwardly protruding configuration and being arranged so that the ends of the slots are disposed in divergent relation to the locking edges of the associated locking tabs. Flexing slits are formed at the ends of the locking slots. Embossed areas are formed in the one of the panels having the arcuate locking slots and embossments are also formed in the locking tabs so as to enhance the security of the lock.

This invention relates to panel interlocking means and more particularly is directed to an arrangement for securing one edge of a yieldable panel to an adjacent edge of a substantially coplanar panel.

Article carriers for packaging one or more primary packages whose shape and configuration is such that vacant spaces are provided within the package may utilize locking tabs in one overlapping panel which are driven through locking apertures formed in another overlapping panel, the tabs and apertures being aligned with the vacant spaces within the package. This type of panel interlocking means affords an efficient means for securing the adjacent ends of a wrapper type package together but obviously is limited to use in conjunction with primary packages having vacant spaces therein. An example of such an interlocking means may be found in U.S. Patent 2,786,572, Gentry, issued Mar. 26, 1957.

Where the shape and configuration of primary packages is such that no substantial vacant space is provided within the wrapper, adjacent panel edges may be interlocked by'meansof a so-called zipper type lock such as is shown, for example, in U.S. Patent 3,154,827, Gentry, issued Nov. 3, 1964. While zipper type locks afford a secure fastening arrangement which is both attractive in appearance and reliable in service, the formation of the zipper type lock imposes a limitation on the speed at which a packaging operation may be performed.

Where the shape of primary packages disposed within a wrapper type article carrier is such that vacant space is not provided within the wrapper and where a secure and attractive interlocking means is desired, the arrangement disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,249,284, Wood, issued May 3, 1966, may be employed. The arrangement of the Wood patent, however, requires a composite motion in two directions of the panels to be interlocked.

A principal object of this invention is to provide an attractive and secure panel interlocking means which may be employed in conjunction with the packaging of primary packages of any shape or configuration.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved panel interlocking means which effects a secure locking action between Vthe panels to be secured together and which, in addition, requires manipulation of the operative elements in but one general direction thereby simplifying the motions required in the formation of an interlocking operation.

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Still another object of the invention is to provide a simplifed carrier blank which is adapted for use with a simplified machine having fixed plows or guides 'and which therefore requires no synchronization.

The invention in one form as utilized to interlock adjacent edges of a pair of yieldable substantially coplanar panels comprises a plurality of locking tabs formed along one edge of one of said panels and disposed in outwardly protruding exposed relation, each of said tabs having at least one generally transverse locking edge, the portions of said one edge of said one panel which are disposed between adjacent locking tabs being of arcuate inwardly protruding configuration and the adjacent transverse locking edges conforming generally to the `configuration of the adjacent arcuate portions of said one edge, and `a plurality of complementary locking slots formed in the other of said panels for receiving said locking tabs. In accordance with a feature of the invention the locking slots may be constructed of arcuate outwardly protruding configuration to define individual guide tabs and the ends of said slots are disposed in diverging relation with respect to the associated locking edges whereby locking security is enhanced. Preferably, a guide panel is foldably joined to the other panel along a fold line coinciding generally with locking slots and, if desired, fiexing slits may be provided at the ends of the locking slots thereby to facilitate manipulation of the guide tabs. Furthermore, it is generally desirable to utilize a plurality of locking tabs and slots and it is preferable to arrange the tabs so that at least one intermediate tab is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed locking edges and preferably each of the end tabs is provided with a single locking edge on one side thereof and with a longitudinally disposed positioning edge on the other side thereof. Thus the positioning edges of the end locking tabs engage the ends of their associating locking slots and prevent substantial transverse relative movement between the two panels.

For a better understanding of the invention reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package utilizing the invention and with an area cutaway so as to expose the interlocking means constructed according to this invention; FIG. 2 is a plan View of a blank from which the package depicted in FIG. l is formed; FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view which shows the locking tabs and locking slots in their respective panels and during the performance of an interlocking operation; FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of a single locking slot constructed according to a modification ofthe invention; and in which FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of a locking tab and slot together with embossments for enhancing the security of the lock.

With reference to the drawing the numeral 1 is used to designate the top panel of the wrapper depicted in FIGS. l and 2. Side panel 2 is foldably joined to top panel 1 along fold line 3 and side 'panel 4 is foldably joined to the opposite edge of top panel 1 along a fold line 5.

The bottom of the wrapper is a composite panel made up of lap panels 8 and 9. Lap panel 8 is foldably joined to the bottom edge of side wall 4 along fold line 10 and lap panel 9 is foldably joined to the bottom edge of -side wall 2 along the fold line 11. Of course, lap panels 8 yand 9 are substantially coplanar when the package is formed as shown in'FIG. l.

For the purpose of tightening the wrapper prior to in- `terlocking the adjacent edges of lap panels 8 and 9, a

9 tightly about the contents of the package. Once the wrapper is formed and tightened about its conteents, the interlocking means of this invention is utilized to secure the package in its formed and closed condition.

The end of the wrapper are closed by end panels 16 and 17 which are foldably joined to the ends of top panel 1 along fold lines 18 and 19 respectively.

In order to hold the end panels 16 and 17 in closed position suitable web structure is used. In FIG. 2 triangular web panel 20 is shown as being foldably joined to an end edge 21 of end panel 16 and is also foldably joined along diagonal fold line 22 to a similar web panel 23. Web panel 23 is foldably joined along fold line 24 to an anchoring tab 25 which also is foldably joined to the end edge 26 of lap panel 8.

When the carton is assembled, web structure comprising panels 20 and 23 collapses on itself along fold line 22 and anchoring panel 25 affords added security to the carton corner and simply lies in fiat face contacting relation with the lap panel 8.

Suitable collapsible web structure and an associated anchoring tab identical to that just described are utilized in conjunction with other corners of the wrapper and in the drawings are generally designated by the numerals 27, 28 and 29.

For the purpose of interlocking the lap panels 8 and 9 in accordance with this invention and as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of locking tabs 30-35 are formed along one edge of lap panel 9 and corresponding locking slots 36-41 are formed in lap panel 8. A guide panel 42 is foldably joined to lap panel 8 along a fold line 43 which is disposed in general coincidence with the locking slots 36-41.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the portions of the edge of lap panel 9 along which locking tabs 30-35 are disposed and which are located between the locking tabs are of arcuate inwardly protruding configuration as shown at 44, 4S and 46. Edge portion 47 is arcuate along the end 48 thereof and the edge portion 49 is arcuate along the end S thereof. Likewise the edge portion 51 immediately adjacent locking tab 30 and edge portion 52 adjacent locking tab 35 is of arcuate configuration. In like fashion and in accordance with the invention, the adjacent locking edges 53-62 inclusive are disposed in generally parallel relation to the immediately adjacent part of the inwardly protruding yarcuate shaped edge portion. More specifically, the locking edge 53 of locking tab 30 protrudes generally inwardly and conforms generally with the inwardly protruding arcuate end portion 51. Similarly, locking edge 54 conforms generally with the end 48 of edge portion 47. In like fashion, locking edges 55 and 56 of tabs 31 and 32 conforms generally with the ends of inwardly protruding locking portion 44.

The orientation and configuration of inwardly protruding arcuate edge portions such as 44 and the inwardly protruding locking edge portion such as 55 and S6 in accordance with a feature of the invention afford adequate room for manipulation of a lock but without requiring an unusually long neck portion for the locking tabs such for example as 31 and 32. This feature not only enhances the security of the lock but improves the sturdiness of the package generally.

For cooperating with the locking tabs 30-35 the locking slots 3641 respectively are configured with an outwardly protruding configuration so that once the lock is formed the locking edges such for example as 54 and 55 will occupy a divergent relation to the corresponding ends 63 and 64 of the locking slot 37. Obviously this relationship enhances the security of the lock since it renders inadvertent unlocking of the tabs virtually impossible. This aspect of the invention is readily apparent from FIG. 3 which depicts the panels 8 and 9 in the positions which they occupy just prior to the formation of the lock and during the period when the guide panel 42 is folded upwardly so as to act as a means of guiding the locking tabs into locking position. Once the lock is formed, the locking edges 54 and 55 of locking tab 31 diverge toward the right from the immediately adjacent end portions 63 and 64 of locking slot 37.

From the arrangement as described above, it is apparent that the package need not be tightened excessively in order to complete the formation of the lock in View of the short neck portion of the locking tab. Furthermore the inwardly protruding arcuate portions such as 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51 and 52 accommodate the lost motion or over travel required during the formation of the lock without materially weakening the structural elements thereof.

According to a feature of the invention formation of the lock is facilitated by guide tabs which are defined by the arcuate slots 36-41. For example with reference to FIG. 3 guide tab 65 is defined by the arcuate locking slot 37 and such guide tab in effect is taken from the guide panel 42.

In order to facilitate slight bending of guide tabs such as 65 flexing slits 66 and 67 are formed at the ends of the slot 37. Thus as the guide panel 42 is folded upwarding and as the locking tabs such as 31 are inserted into the locking slot, the guide tab such as 65 may bend downwardly so as to expose a substantial opening for receiving the associated locking tab. Of course fiexing slits such as 66 and 67 are preferably used in conjunction with each of the locking slots 36-41. Since the action and structure of these fiexing slits is believed to be clear from the drawing, a detailed description thereof in connection with each of the locking slots is not included.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the intermediate locking tabs such as 31-34 are provided with a pair of oppositely disposed locking edges such as are indicated at 54 and 55. The end locking tabs 30 and 35 however are provided with only one locking edge such as S3 and 62. On the opposite side of locking tabs 30 and 3S, positioning edges 63 and 69 are provided. Obviously, positioning edge 68 cooperates with the end 70 of locking slot 36 while positioning edge 69 cooperates with the end 71 of locking slot 41. By this means transverse relative movement between the panels 8 and 9 is prevented according to a feature of the invention.

If desired locking slots such as that indicated in FIG. 4 may be used instead of the locking slots 36-41 of FIG. 2. In FIG. 4 locking slot 37A is configured generally in accordance with the locking slots 37-41 of FIG. 2 except that an outwardly protruding nose portion 37B is incorporated in the slot 37A. This outwardly protruding nose portion 37B facilitates the guiding of the lock into its locking position. Thus the outwardly protruding configuration depicted at 37B simply defines a more pronounced guide tab than is disclosed in FIG. 2.

Security of the lock may be enhanced by the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 wherein upwardly protruding embossments or dimples 72 and 73 are formed in panel 8 near slot 37 and a downwardly protruding embossed area 74 is formed in tab 31. When the lock is formed area 74 rests on panel 8 and tends to elevate the tab 31. The dimples 72 and 73 engage the shoulders of tab 31 and tend to bend them upwardly thereby enhancing the security of the lock.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown land described, the invention is not limited thereto and it is intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. An arrangement for interlocking adjacent edges of a pair of substantially coplanar panels, said arrangement comprising a plurality of locking tabs formed along one edge of one of said panels and disposed in outwardly protruding exposed relation, each of said tabs having at least one generally transverse locking edge, the portions of said one edge of said one panel which are disposed between adjacent locking tabs being of arcuate inwardly protruding configuration and said transverse locking edges conforming generally to the configuration of the adjacent arcuate portions of said one edge, a plurality of complementary locking slots formed in the other of said panels said locking slots being of arcuate outwardly protruding configuration to define individual guide tabs and the end of said slots being disposed in divergent relation with respect to the associated locking edges respectively whereby fastening security is enhanced, a common guide panel foldably joined to said other panel along a fold line which is disposed in general coincidence with said locking slots, and a longitudinal flexing slit at each end of each of said locking slots for facilitating bending movement of said guide tabs out of the plane of said other panel thereby to facilitate interlocking action of said locking tabs and slots, interlocking movement being in a direction parallel to said flexing slits at least one intermediate locking tab being provided with transverse locking edges on opposite sides thereof and the end ones of said locking tabs being provided with a transverse locking edge on only one side thereof and with a longitudinal positioning edge on the opposite side thereof whereby substantial transverse relative movement between said panels is prevented.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein upwardly protruding embossments are formed in said other panel and disposed to engage yand bend slightly the shoulders of at least some of said locking tabs in an upward direction and out of the planes thereof.

3. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein a downwardly protruding embossment is formed in at least some of said locking tabs, said embossments being arranged to rest on said other panel and being effective to elevate the associated tab slightly above said other panel.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,040,965 6/ 1962 Meyers 229-39 3,208,478 9/ 1965 Baines 229-39 3,249,284 5/1966 Wood 229-40 JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, Primary Examiner. DAVID M. BOCKENEK, Examiner. 

1. A ARRANGEMENT FOR INTERLOCKING ADJACENT EDGES OF A PAIR OF SUBSTANTIALLY COPLANAR PANELS, SAID ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF LOCKING TABS FORMED ALONG ONE EDGE OF ONE OF SAID PANELS AND DIPOSED IN OUTWARDLY PROTRUDING EXPOSED RELATION, EACH OF OF SAID TABS HAVING AT LEAST ONE GENERALLY TRANSVERSE LOCKING EDGE, THE PORTIONS OF SAID ONE EDGE OF SAID ONE PANEL WHICH ARE DISPOSED BETWEEN ADJACENT LOCKING TABS BEING OF ARCUATE INWARDLY PROTRUDING CONFIGURATION AND SAID TRANSVERSE LOCKING EDGES CONFORMING GENERALLY TO THE CONFIGURATION OF THE ADJACENT ARCUATE PORTIONS OF SAID ONE EDGE, A PLURALITY OF COMPLEMENTARYL LOCKING SLOTS FORMED IN THE OTHER OF SAID PANELS SAID LOCKING SLOTS BEING OF ARCUATE OUTWARDLY PROTRUDING CONFIGURATION TO DEFINE INDIVIDUAL GUIDE TABS AND THE END OF SAID SLOTS BEING DISPOSED IN DIVERGENT RELATION WITH RESPECT TO THE ASSOCIATED LOCKING EDGES RESPECTIVELY WHEREBY FASTENING SECURITY IS ENHANCED, A COMMON GUIDE PANEL FOLDABLY JOINED TO SAID OTHER PANEL ALONG A FOLD LINE WHICH IS DISPOSED IN GENERAL COINCIDENCE WITH SAID LOCKING SLOTS, AND A LONGITUDINAL FLEXING SLIT AT EACH END OF EACH OF SAID LOCKING SLOTS FOR FACILITATING BENDING MOVEMENT OF SAID GUIDE TABLS OUT OF THE PLANE OF SAID OTHER PANEL THEREBY TO FACILITATE INTERLOCKING ACTION OF SAID LOCKING TABS AND SLOTS, INTERLOCKING MOVEMENT BEIN IN A DIRECTION PARALLEL TO SAID FLEXING SLITS AT LEAST ONE INTERMEDIATE LOCKING TAB BEING PROVIDED WITH TRANSVERSE LOCKING EDGES ON OPPOSITE SIDES THEREOF AND THE END ONES OF SAID LOCKING TABS BEING PROVIDED WITH A TRANSVERSE LOCKING EDGE ON ONLY ONE SIDE THEREOF AND WITH A LONGITUDINAL POSITIONING EDGE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE THEREOF WHEREBY SUBSTANTIAL TRANSVERSE RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN SAID PANELS IS PREVENTED. 